HealthyCanada.com

Peripheral neuropathy is a common neurological disorder resulting from damage to the peripheral nerves. It may be caused by diseases of the nerves or as the result of systemic illnesses.

More than 100 types of peripheral neuropathy have been identified. Although they don't all share the same cause they do produce relatively common symptoms including:

• pain in the arms hands legs and/or feet
• paresthesia (abnormal sensations such as burning tickling pricking or tingling)
• weakness
• numbness

The peripheral nerves relay information from your brain and spinal cord to muscles and other organs and from your skin joints and other organs back to your brain. Peripheral neuropathy occurs when these nerves fail to function properly.

Peripheral neuropathy may be either inherited or acquired. Causes include physical injury to a nerve tumours toxins autoimmune responses nutritional deficiencies alcoholism and vascular and metabolic disorders. Acquired peripheral neuropathies are caused by systemic disease trauma from external agents or infections or autoimmune disorders affecting nerve tissue. Inherited forms of peripheral neuropathy are caused by inborn mistakes in the genetic code or by new genetic mutations.

Diabetes is one of the most common causes of peripheral neuropathy. This is because the peripheral nerves are supplied by very small blood vessels and diabetes especially if poorly controlled damages these blood vessels.

The goal is to identify and treat any underlying disease or to remove the cause and control the symptoms. For example treatment for peripheral neuropathy caused by diabetes involves optimal control of blood glucose levels. In a case of neuropathy that is caused by a tumour or ruptured disc surgery may be used. Other treatments apply to the other vast number of different kinds of neuropathy.

In general adopting healthy habits -- such as maintaining optimal weight avoiding exposure to toxins following a physician-supervised exercise program eating a balanced diet correcting vitamin deficiencies and limiting or avoiding alcohol consumption -- can reduce the physical and emotional effects of peripheral neuropathy.

Your doctor may also suggest over-the-counter or prescription pain medications. Anticonvulsants (phenytoin carbamazepine gabapentin) tricyclic antidepressants (amitryptiline nortryptiline) or other medications may be used to reduce the stabbing pains that some people experience. However whenever possible medication use should be minimized to avoid side effects.

Call your doctor if symptoms of peripheral neuropathy are present. In all cases early diagnosis and treatment increases the possibility that symptoms can be controlled.